Identifying neural correlates of consciousness: The state space approach
Consciousness and Cognition December 1, 2004 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2004.07.001 via Elsevier
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA strategy for identifying neural correlates of consciousness is proposed, based on a state space approach from dynamical systems theory. The article focuses on phenomenal awareness, a constituent of consciousness, and suggests several rudimentary requirements for identifying its neural correlates. These requirements are related to empirical data on selective attention, completely intrinsic selection, and globally unconscious states. As an example, neuroscientific findings on synchronized gamma activity are categorized according to these requirements, illustrating how the strategy might be applied.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | A strategy for identifying neural correlates of consciousness is proposed, based on a state space approach and requirements related to phenomenal awareness. |
Abstract
This article sketches an idealized strategy for the identification of neural correlates of consciousness. The proposed strategy is based on a state space approach originating from the analysis of dynamical systems. The article then focuses on one constituent of consciousness, phenomenal awareness. Several rudimentary requirements for the identification of neural correlates of phenomenal awareness are suggested. These requirements are related to empirical data on selective attention, on completely intrinsic selection and on globally unconscious states. As an example, neuroscientific findings on synchronized gamma activity are categorized according to these requirements.